Jambi – In celebration of Earth Day, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi took part in a nationwide tree-planting initiative on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The university community, including the Head of the Language Development Center (UPB), participated in the symbolic planting of matoa trees on campus as part of the “One Million Matoa Trees” campaign.
This green movement was launched by Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, and is being carried out simultaneously by institutions across the country. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to environmental conservation and ecological restoration.
UIN STS Jambi’s academic leaders and staff embraced the campaign wholeheartedly. Vice rectors, bureau chiefs, senate members, faculty deans, and department heads joined together to plant matoa saplings around the university’s lakes and gardens — a symbolic yet powerful gesture toward sustainability.
Dr. Pahmi Sy, M.Si, Vice Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance, emphasized that universities have a crucial role in safeguarding the environment.
“Planting trees is not just about today — it’s about securing a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Dr. Pahmi added that UIN STS Jambi’s Mendalo campus spans about 62 hectares, divided into residential, production, and natural zones. “We’re developing the production zone with useful trees — not just matoa, but also guava, medicinal plants, and native species,” he noted.
Matoa trees were selected for their multiple environmental benefits: they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and enrich the soil. Beyond that, the trees bear nutritious fruit and can be used in construction and crafts, making them both ecologically and economically valuable.
UIN STS Rector, Prof. Dr. Kaspul Anwar, M.Pd, expressed full support for the movement.
“Planting trees is an act of love — for the Earth and for all of God’s creation. This campaign is a meaningful way to honor that responsibility,” he stated.
